Solidarity fund for Turkish affiliates

Trade union rights and civil liberties have significantly deteriorated in Turkey since the attempted coup of 15 and 16 July 2016. Under the state of emergency, the Turkish government has arrested and detained thousands of workers and trade unionists. More than 100.000 public employees have been summarily suspended or dismissed, accused in most cases without any basis of proof or evidence of having been involved in the attempted military coup. This situation continues until today.

Both EPSU and PSI have condemned the government’s arbitrary and repressive actions and demanded the immediate release and reinstatement of all workers and public employees wrongly accused.

Following calls from Turkish trade unions, ITUC and ETUC have also agreed to launch a solidarity fund in support of organizations that are most affected by the measures taken by the Turkish authorities. This financial support will primarily be used to provide legal assistance and support their actions at national, European and international level.

EPSU and PSI therefore appeal for solidarity and call on all affiliates to contribute to this fund to help Turkish trade unions and workers who are operating in very difficult social, economic, and political conditions, making it impossible for them to bear those costs themselves.